The best hotels reopening in Europe for the summer as Britons await green light for quarantine-free holidays

As lockdown restrictions in Europe begin to ease, hotels are reopening, bringing hope not just for economic recovery across the continent but for some much-needed holidays. While the FCO is still advising against all but essential travel, the imminent announcement that some 60 countries will be exempt from UK quarantine rules means Britons may well be able fly off for a holiday on the Med or a stay in Alps sooner rather than later.

With this in mind, here are some of the best European hotels to have opened so far, eagerly waiting to welcome guests back with open arms (while maintaining at least a metre's gap at all times, of course).

If you are looking for key dates of UK hotel openings, see here. 

Italy

A few eyebrows were raised when Italy reopened its borders on June 3, with many suggesting that it was too soon for one of the European nations hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. Visitors from certain countries, including the UK, can already visit without having to go into quarantine. Bars and restaurants have reopened, but at reduced capacity and with plastic shields between tables. Some tourist sites are also welcoming visitors again, including the Colosseum, Pompeii and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Italian hotels have been steadily reopening for a few weeks now, with some new regulations to help contain any infection. Face masks need to be worn in common areas, and travellers or travelling groups must maintain at least a metre’s gap at all times.

Here are the best hotels in Italy that have now reopened

Aman Venice

The Clooneys celebrated their nuptials in this 16th-century Grand Canal palace. Yet there is much more to say about this incredible property, which balances contemporary décor with museum-quality treasures in 24 luxurious suites. The Alcova suite is the star with its 18th-century frescoes by Tiepolo.

Il Pellicano, Tuscany

Il Pellicano will welcome guests “as it was done in the 70s”, when the hotel, then more akin to a private club with just eight bedrooms, was the place to be and be seen for the jet set. This summer “Casa Pellicano”, as it’s been affectionately named, will operate only 25 rooms out of the hotel’s 52. There will be one, daily changing menu served across both of its restaurants.  and its yellow-striped sunbeds by the pool – once photographed by Slim Aarons – will be spaced out appropriately.

Villa Lena, Tuscany

A hotel-meets-art-foundation set high up in the hills of Tuscany, with a 19th-century patrician villa at its core. Different artists take up residency each month alongside the guests, offering workshops and ultimately leaving behind a piece for the hotel, meaning it’s an ever-changing gallery.

J.K. Place Capri

This is a triumph of peerless refinement and Italian high design: an easy yet sophisticated hotel with sumptuous interiors, a gorgeous swimming pool terrace, relaxed wellness spa, magnificent sea views, and one of the island's most celebrated restaurants in the form of JKitchen.

Belmond Hotel Splendido, Portofino

Housed an in a 16th-century monastery building with fabulous views over the bay of Portofino, the luxurious Splendido is one of Italy’s Grande Dame hotels. With its excellent facilities, delicious food and exceptional service, you may never want to leave, but there’s lots to do in the area to tempt all the same.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como

Elegant, stylish and fashionable, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo stands majestically on the western shore, offering sophisticated interiors combining strong colours and classical details. Sun yourself by the floating pool, sip cocktails on the terrace or zip along the lake in one of the hotel’s chic water limousines.

Il Sereno, Lake Como

Il Sereno provides a breath of fresh air from Lake Como’s classically styled five-star hotels, with interiors made of wood, stone and plenty of glass, allowing for wonderful vistas. Sit back poolside with a cocktail in hand, unwind at the spa or tuck into creative dishes at the Michelin-starred restaurant.

Verdura Resort, Sicily

The best spa in Sicily sprawls across 4,000 modernist metres in this luxury hotel on the little-visited south coast. There are also two 18-hole golf courses. West of the charming baroque town of Sciacca, it’s ideally placed for visiting two of Sicily’s most impressive Greek temple complexes: Agrigento and Selinunte.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Florence’s most lavish hotel is housed in a magnificent Renaissance palazzo and set in 11 acres of mature gardens. Well-removed from the tourist hordes, it offers superb resort facilities and the sort of polished service you would expect from the Four Seasons brand.

Hotel de Russie

Frequented by fashion and film people, well-heeled tourists and style-conscious business travellers, the Hotel de Russie is the entirely refurbished avatar of an earlier establishment popular with artists like Picasso and Jean Cocteau. The hotel melds the elegant classicism of Ancient Rome with a more contemporary idiom that nods to the Art Deco-influenced design of the interwar years.

Spain

Another country that suffered an inordinately high number Covid-19 cases and consequent deaths, Spain has been gradually reopening regions according to the local threat level. The Balearic and Canary Islands, which generally escaped the brunt of the virus’s impact, were given the go-ahead to try and jumpstart their tourism-dependent economies some weeks ago, with infection hotspots such as Madrid and Barcelona labouring on under harsher lockdown restrictions.

Hotels throughout the country are now allowed to reopen, although whether they choose to do so is generally dictated by demand (or lack thereof). An influx of tourists from the UK will likely be incentive enough for most to open again, but some regions may impose stricter limitations than others: a blanket ban on opening up communal areas for instance. Face masks are a requirement in crowded areas across the whole of Spain, and bars and restaurants are restricted to 50 per cent capacity.

Here are the best hotels in Spain that have now reopened

Finca Cortesín, Andalucia

One of Andalucía’s (and Spain’s) most fabulous and sought-after hotels, Finca Cortesín is a serene retreat, filled with palm-studded patios and perfumed Mediterranean gardens. Suites are elegantly opulent; there’s a wonderful spa, plus four pools; and a Michelin star twinkles amid its outstanding dining options.

Cap Rocat, Majorca

Luxurious and arresting Cap Rocat, formerly a 19th-century military fortress, has been imaginatively transformed into an exceptional boutique hotel with two pools and restaurants, and a sumptuous spa. Close to rugged coastline and woodland, it is an unparalleled haven of peace, offering complete privacy.

Seven Pines Resort Ibiza

Seven Pines, more like a small Ibicenco village than a hotel, is a series of individual suites dotted around a vast clifftop. Exceptional facilities, impeccable service and spectacular views of Ibiza's most famous landmark, Es Vedrà, means that this hotel more than lives up to the hype. Come with a significant other and the sense of isolation can feel extremely romantic.

Lani's Suites, Lanzarote

Imagine if Gianni Versace designed your suite in shades of snow white, mirror silver, cool linen and cream leather. Or if Liberace was placed in charge of guest relations, and insisted on Chopard bath products, plus a complimentary half bottle of Blanc de Blancs Cava for every new arrival. Lani’s oozes sass, style and out-and-out sexiness.

Soho House Barcelona

One imagines this is how it must feel to be at an all-weekend party in the staffed country seat of a particularly fabulous pal – luxurious, decadent and just wickedly good fun. From the bewitching rooftop pool down to the Cowshed spa and the plush subterranean cinema, every whim is catered for.

SHA Wellness Clinic, Costa Blanca

Along the Costa Blanca from Alicante is this futuristic looking spa that fuses Eastern healing and Western medicine in a hilltop setting overlooking the Mediterranean sea. The SHA concept is to treat what ails you, be it low-level wellness issues or a major illness, with a perfect fusion of natural ancient Eastern philosophy and advanced cutting-edge Western techniques.

France

Since June 15, hotels and b&bs throughout the French mainland have been give the green light to reopen after three months of lockdown, alongside shops and restaurants. A number of strict regulations remain in place to prevent a second spike in infections, including a ban on public gatherings of more than 10 people and a requirement that face masks be worn on public transport (including the Eurostar). Private business owners can choose whether or not to implement a face mask rule for customers.

"Freedom will be the rule and restriction the exception," promised Edouard Philippe, the French Prime Minister, although the government has introduced a number of regulations for the hospitality sector. All staff will be required to wear masks, and in some cases guests will have to as well. Rigorous cleaning regimens must be in place before reopening, and any area occupied by a guest must be thoroughly disinfected once it is vacated. Restaurants are having to adapt to a one-metre social distancing rule.

Here are the best hotels in France that have now reopened

Villa Clarisse, Île de Ré

This 18th-century townhouse’s whitewashed wood and limestone floors are all in impeccable Ré style, with a grand yet homely feel. Wandering from the cosy reception to a welcoming lounge area, past reading nooks and handsome wooden staircases, it’s easy to pretend you are walking through your own family mansion, set in a huge garden with its own pool.

Domaine des Etangs, Poitou-Charentes

Bought in the 1980s by Didier Primat, heir to the Schlumberger oil fortune, this beautiful château and its lake-filled estate has been transformed into a luxury hotel by his daughter, Garance Primat. Possessing a dreamy, harmonious and deeply calming atmosphere, it has become one of France’s most enviable hotels.

Hôtel des Grands Boulevards, Paris

Interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon finds inspiration in an 18th-century French queen at this chic, 50-room lifestyle hotel with hidden courtyard in the 2e arrondissement. Franco-Italian cuisine, cocktail bar and rooftop are highlights at this latest glam offering from the Experimental Group.

Fauchon L'Hotel, Paris

Paris without the crowds? Why not, when you can stay at this Haussmannian mansion. Its summer package includes an upgrade and late check-out.

Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, French Riviera

This Cheval Blanc maison, located on the edge of St Tropez, possesses its own private beach and three Michelin stars at the acclaimed La Vague d’Or restaurant. Jean-Michel Wilmotte was responsible for interiors –  Saint Tropezienne in feel, mixing local pottery and ceramic art from Roger Capron with modern art from Carlos Cruz-Dias and photographs from Sophie Zenon.

Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, French Riviera

Four Seasons has taken the French Riviera to its ultimate level of luxury at this five-star hotel on the tip of the Cap-Ferrat peninsula. A James-Bond-style funicular leads to the clifftop beach club and pool that starred in the Absolutely Fabulous movie. This star-studded hotel also has a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Les Fermes de Marie, Megève

Peace, perfect peace, is one of the au naturel joys of this exclusive Alpine hamlet in upmarket Megève. Alpine-chic rooms languish in vintage chalets, seasonal dining blends traditional Savoyard dishes with French classics, and the luxurious Pure Altitude spa is heaven after a day's skiing or hiking.

Greece

Quick reactions helped Greece escape the worst of the pandemic, and while the country has been in lockdown since March, Greek ministers have been champing at the bit to welcome tourists back to the country. The two-week quarantine required of all international arrivals will be lifted on July 1, and hotels have been allowed to reopen since June 15.

While some changes are to be expected – heightened cleaning protocols, social distancing in restaurants – it has already been confirmed that guests will not have to wear face coverings (although a good rule of thumb for post-coronavirus travel is that all rules are subject to change).

Here are the best hotels in Greece that have now reopened

Katikies Hotel, Santorini

Santorini is the queen of sunsets, sea views and swimming pools – and Katikies is one of the best places to experience all three. The hotel is made up of dozens of whitewashed rooms tumbling down Oia's cliffside, all with knockout views of the caldera. The three infinity pools practically melt into the horizon.

Amanzoe, The Peloponnese

Amanzoe is an ultra-exclusive resort with an emphasis on health and wellbeing. There are just 38 freestanding pavilions, each with its own fragrant garden, large tiled terrace and private pool. The very stylish spa offers treatments based on the healing philosophy of Greek medicine and a range of holistic therapies, including Pilates, yoga and aquatic bodywork.

Elounda Peninsula, Crete

This architect-owned resort is a slick modern interpretation of a classic Greek whitewashed waterside village, beautifully set on the edge of a cove. Each suite has its own private saltwater pool on a spacious terrace (thalassotherapy at your doorstep), generous living space and top-quality design, making it a celebrity magnet (Tom Hanks and Charlize Theron have stayed). 

Elivi Skiathos

Pine-fringed beaches and panoramic sea views set the scene at this stylish boutique resort, set high above the tourist hub and nature reserve of Koukounaries on the island’s south-western peninsula. If you’re looking for elegant details, smooth service and seriously Instagrammable backdrops, you’ve come to the right place. The feel is stylish without being soulless, slick but serene.

Sani Beach Hotel, Halkidiki

A microcosm of Mediterranean luxury, Sani Resort comprises four hotels with child-friendly facilities, and a dizzying amount of restaurants. Sani Resort’s state-of-the-art sports centre includes six clay tennis courts, and there are two watersports stations (centres that can arrange activities such as waterskiing and sailing), plus a diving centre.

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Greece’s first Four Seasons hotel is a triumphant revival of a modernist landmark, where guests can enjoy a beach holiday, destination spa and city break rolled into one glamorous, authentically Greek experience. It is set in Vouliagmeni, the most sought-after seaside suburb in Athens ever since the Astir Palace opened in the 1960s, and is where Onassis, Bardot and Sinatra all used to hang out.

Germany

The power to tighten or relax lockdown measures has been handed down from the national government to Germany’s 16 federal states, so rules can vary from region to region. Hotels have by and large been universally allowed to start accepting guests, although a recent spike in new infections could cause some states to backtrack on the easing process.

By extension, the various rules and regulations now being foisted on hotel owners differ across the country. Some states are allowing hotels to fill to capacity; others will have to limit guest numbers. Some will open up public areas; others will keep them closed off. Generally though, we can expect to see what are fast becoming the standard trappings of post-coronavirus hospitality: staff with face masks and gloves, restaurant tables spaced out, a zealous approach to wiping down surfaces, and, in some cases, plastic barriers to keep guests from bumping into one another while trying to dig out their key cards.

Here are the best hotels in Germany that have now reopened

Hotel de Rome, Berlin

Converted from a grand 19th-century bank, this Rocco Forte property enjoys a glamorous location on Unter den Linden's historic Bebelplatz. The interior combines original architectural features with impressive contemporary flair, and restrained but luxurious rooms, a classy restaurant and bar, and a refined spa.

Bayerischer Hof, Munich

Munich famously steers a path between the modern and traditional, and few places better reflect this than the outstanding Bayerischer Hof. The hotel will appeal to traditionalists, with its façade that looks distinctly 19th century and numerous history-focused rooms. It's housed in the incomparable Montgelas Palace, with classical furnishings and architecture, however there is a modern edge.

Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Baden Baden

The grande dame of this upmarket resort is set in a leafy central spot with a seriously large spa, calming gardens and three restaurants including Michelin-starred dining. Opened in 1872, this is a long-established luxury hotel with an imposing, cream-coloured façade, elegant interiors, luxurious rooms and slick, professional service, not to mention a sophisticated client list including royalty and the political elite.

Schlosshotel Kronberg, Hesse

There is something very special about the Schlosshotel Kronberg, a magnificent-looking English-style country mansion complete with gothic exterior, sumptuous interiors and extraordinary historic resonance. It was once the private residence of a German empress (and the daughter of Queen Victoria), and members of most of Europe’s royal families – Tsar Nicholas II and Edward VII among them – have walked these corridors.

Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt, Lake Tegernsee

With a Michelin-starred chef, lakeside location and high-class rooms and suites, Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt is one of the best places in the Bavarian Alps to spend a holiday. Steadily expanded in the last few decades, it is now a highly modern hotel, characterised by ubiquitous marble floorings and gold furnishings. There is an air of opulence here, in the manner of grand hotels, though rarely overdone.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

Berlin’s most glamorous hotel address has hosted Michael Jackson and Her Majesty the Queen, among other luminaries. Overlooking the Brandenburg Gate, the hotel's prestigious location is matched to top-notch facilities (a two-floor spa, several restaurants) and flawless service.